Kansas Governor Laura Kelly announces clemency for seven individuals serving sentences in Kansas prisons.

 

 Kelly made the announcement yesterday (Wednesday) that she would pardon or commute the sentences of seven individuals following independent reviews by the Prison Review Board, the Kansas Department of Administration, and the Governor’s legal team. Kelly granted pardons to Jose Arellano, Stephen Gontz, Jeffery Gronewaller, James Valentine, and Scottie Way while also commuting the sentences of Deshaun Durham and Lauren Holle.

 

The Kansas Constitution grants the Governor the authority to grant clemency. Governor Kelly took into consideration numerous factors to determine if the commutations and pardons were warranted, including but not limited to: the nature of the offense, harsh sentences, impact of the crime on victims or survivors, demonstration of rehabilitation, criminal history, absence of disciplinary issues in prison, positive achievements and growth while incarcerated, and the ability to contribute to society following release.

 

To learn more about the clemency process in the State of Kansas, go here.